Will The Anaheim Ducks Trade Bobby Ryan At Some Point This Summer?

By Randy Holt

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

At one point or another over the last few years, the Anaheim Duckshave floated out, or at least been rumored to float, the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan on the trade market. With three of the top forwards in the game, it’s unlikely the Ducks would be able to keep all three long-term.

Despite a wealth of Ryan rumors last summer, he remained a Duck, as did Getzlaf and Perry. The difference is that the latter two were locked up at points during the regular season. Each signed an eight-year extension, assuring themselves of a spot on this team for the future.

That isn’t the case with Ryan. He’s signed for two more years, and with the Ducks investing so heavily in Getzlaf and Perry, it’d take some serious salary cap circumventing if they want to keep Ryan around for the long term as well. Which means that a trade could be in his future.

If the Ducks were going to trade Ryan, they’d see quite a haul for him. There are several teams throughout the league that can use a top line player of his caliber. He’s one of the top young players in this game, just turning 26 during the regular season, despite making his debut back in the 2007-08 season.

Over that span, he’s been one of the league’s steadiest point producers. Prior to this shortened season, he had reached at least 50 points in four consecutive seasons, including 71 two years ago. He finished with 30 during this shortened campaign, including 11 goals and 19 assists.

On a thin free agent market, the Ducks have an opportunity to sell high on Ryan. He’s making a touch over $5 million, as far as his cap hit goes, over the next two years. He’s a dynamite forward. The Ducks could receive a package of at least three players, likely all of which would be able to fit right into the lineup. At the very least, they’re looking at two NHLcaliber players, whether defense or forward, and a top prospect. As well as possible draft picks.

Now is the time to strike on a Ryan trade. They have top tier offensive talent even without him, and have a chance to upgrade their overall roster if they are able to deal him. This is something that Bob Murray should absolutely be considering as the offseason for everyone nears.